Officials Approve New Zoning Rules

Vote Increases Minimum Lot Size, Sets Distance Between Properties

SUFFIELD — The zoning and planning commission has tentatively approved a new set of regulations on development in the center of town, following a monthslong debate with property owners and residents.

Commissioners voted during a workshop Tuesday to increase the minimum lot size from 10,000 square feet to 12,000 square feet. They also voted to require that buildings be at least 10 feet from each neighboring property and that the lot be at least 60 feet wide.

The commission had been considering new zoning regulations for the town center village district, running along Mountain Road, since November. Town staff informed the board that current regulations are ``unworkable'' because of parking and safety issues.

But the changes drew strong opposition from the town's heritage committee and property owners, who feared the regulations would stifle efforts to attract more pedestrians and small businesses to the center.

The heritage committee asked zoning and planning commissioners last month to leave the current regulations alone.

Instead, the commission struck a compromise Tuesday.

Town staff had originally proposed increasing the minimum lot size to 15,000 square feet.

They had also recommended a 15-foot, front-yard setback, but the commission decided not to impose one at all.

``Obviously, there was a divergence of opinion, but I do feel the board is comfortable with the changes, and I think the proponents of leaving the regulations as they were are reasonably comfortable, too,'' commission Chairman J. Scott Guilmartin said.

The town's zoning enforcement officer, James Taylor, who had proposed the original changes, said the new regulations include enough provisions to ensure that the area would not be riddled with traffic.

For example, a front-yard setback will remain off the books, but a businesses with a rear parking lot must have a sidewalk at least 10 feet from the front of the building.

``We don't want someone pulling out of the driveway at the same time some kid is coming down the sidewalk with a skateboard,'' Taylor said.

The commission also voted to allow lots smaller than 12,000 square feet if the owner can provide adequate parking within 500 feet.

``I think it's a good compromise, a win-win situation for everybody,'' said Bill Hansen, the chairman of the town's heritage committee. ``It gives us the aesthetics we're looking for, with a touch of safety.''

Though the commission has already voted on the zoning changes, its attorney is still reviewing the wording of the new regulations.

Guilmartin said the commission is expected to approve the final wording during its next meeting June 18.